Unpaid invoices in Poland? Here’s how to recover your money legally and effectively

Unpaid invoices can disrupt your cash flow and threaten your business stability. If your Polish contractor has failed to pay, don’t wait—take action.

How Does the Debt Recovery Process Work in Poland?

1. Amicable Collection (Soft Debt Recovery) – before going to court, it is advisable to attempt to resolve the matter out of court. This may happen by:

• Sending a formal payment demand letter
• Contacting the debtor via phone, email, or registered mail
• Offering a settlement or payment plan

This stage is often the fastest and most cost-effective way to recover your money.

2. Court Proceedings

If the debtor refuses to pay, it is required to initiate legal action. There are several types of proceedings that may apply, the one that will be recommended in your case depends on various factors. You may be advised to file (inter alia):

• Electronic Writ of Payment Procedure (EPU) – fast and low-cost for simple cases
• Lawsuit in standard Court Proceedings – for more complex or disputed claims

The court may issue a payment order or schedule a hearing. If the debtor does not object, the order becomes enforceable.

3. Enforcement by Bailiff (Komornik)

Once a court judgment is obtained, it is possible to proceed with a formal enforcement to recover the debt. This may happen only by application to a court-appointed bailiff, that may seizure bank accounts, wages, or property.

4. Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings

If the debtor is insolvent, it may be necessary to file a claim in the bankruptcy estate of the contractor to recover part of your receivables.

Need help?

Our law firm specializes in debt recovery and legal enforcement of overdue payments. We handle the entire process – from the first demand letter to court enforcement, applying a tailored-made strategy.